There are a lot of abbreviations thrown around about how to get your website noticed. The two main things you will hear that you need are SEO and/or SEM. Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably. But, they are not the same thing.

Here is an explanation of what they are:

SEO - Search Engine OptimizationSearch Engine Optimization is the employment of techniques to get your website found on search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo...even Facebook) on the top of the first page of organic links.

What are organic links do you ask? Using Google as an example, they are all the links that come up as results to a search query just under the paid Google Ads on the top of the page.Ex: If you were a plumber in Lansing, MI and someone in your area needed to find a plumber, they would go to Google or Bing, type in "plumber Lansing, MI" or "fix broken pipe Lansing, MI" and you would want your website or business information to come up in the links that are provided by the search engine.

Not all search engines operate the same, having assistance from someone who understands the elements your website needs for each of the "heavy hitting" search engines will help your standing.

SEM - Search Engine Marketing or Online MarketingSearch Engine Marketing is paid advertising such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. OR campaigns to get attention or a buzz going about your business, which may have more to do with social networks (also search engines in their own right).

A lot of money can be thrown away on these kinds of ads. Having someone who understands how search engines operate and determine what is a relevant result for a search, and how the average Joe tries to find information will save you money and time. It also helps to know where to place these ads and what method of display is best for your audience.

Creating a buzz or following for your business takes creativity and knowing the current trends in the plugged in world. Social Networks are a good tool for this.

At MC Design & Services, LLC we will always recommend you pay close attention to your SEO standing. We can help you decide whether dollars spent on SEM are necessary and how big that budget really needs to be. From our experience we have seen clients benefit from our SEO service to the point that they no longer needed print or online ads.